London: Lewis Hamilton was barred from entering the Royal Box during the Wimbledon final on Sunday because he was not wearing a jacket and tie.

Despite receiving an invitation to watch the men's singles final from the Royal Box, the Formula One champion missed the match owing to an "unfortunate misunderstanding regarding the dress code at Wimbledon", according to his spokesman.

Earlier in the day Hamilton posted a picture on Instagram showing his Royal Box invitation package, saying he was "honoured" to have received it.

He wrote: "On my way to Wimbledon to watch the final. Honoured to have been invited to watch the men's finals from the Royal Box."

He later posted another picture of himself on Instagram dressed in a colourful shirt and trousers, with the caption "Wimbledon".

Men who are invited to the exclusive box on Centre Court must wear a jacket, tie and shoes.

A spokesman for Hamilton said: "Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding the dress code at Wimbledon, Lewis is very disappointed to have missed the men's final."

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) confirmed that Hamilton was absent from the Royal Box for the final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

"If [Hamilton] was not adequately dressed you could infer that he would not have been let in, but we do not comment on our guests," a spokesman said.

"If he came without a jacket, tie or shoes he would have had two choices - not staying or going to get some extra stuff."

The spokesman added that the driver had been at SW19 on Sunday, but left before end of the match.

With the match at 4-3 in the fourth set, they said: "He did come but he has gone. We are not commenting further."

Gary Lineker has described the decision not to allow Lewis Hamilton access to the Royal Box as 'England at its pompous worst'.

Hamilton, who wore a floral shirt and suede shoes to the All England Club, was forced to miss Djokovic's four-set victory, but Match of the Day presenter Lineker believes the strict dress code is outdated and could have been relaxed.

The former Tottenham striker tweeted: "Might be me, but turning away @LewisHamilton from the Royal box for not wearing a bloody jacket and tie shows England as its pompous worst. As expected many disagree. Actually it may all be about the crowd's dress sense rather than great sportspeople, sportsmanship and sport!"

Lineker's view was not shared by three-time Wimbledon runner-up Andy Roddick, who also took to Twitter to have his say.

Replying to the 54-year-old's initial tweet, Roddick wrote: "Even when the invite says "please wear a jacket and tie?" ... This obnoxious American is ok w (sic) it."

The American had earlier poked fun at his own clothes, after sporting an untidy tie during BBC commentary duties alongside former fans' favourite Tim Henman.

He tweeted: "I am horrible at tying a tie. My apologies to classy people everywhere #Wimbledon #canttieatie."

Hamilton's choice of attire was backed by retired Formula One driver and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle, who appeared less than impressed with the regulations. (AGENCIES)